chapter 34

Lyra's POV

That evening, after the initial rush of excitement had worn off, Kurtis and I found ourselves in the quiet comfort of our living room. The day had been a whirlwind of emotions, joy, relief, and pride, but now, in the stillness of the evening, it all started to settle in. The deal we had just secured wasn’t just monumental for the business; it was a milestone in everything we had built together. This moment deserved more than a quick toast or a casual dinner. It needed to be special, just like our journey had been.

Kurtis sat next to me on the couch, his laptop balanced on his knee as he scrolled through potential restaurants. He was focused, his brow slightly furrowed in concentration, yet relaxed in that way only he could manage. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched him, his determination to find the perfect spot for us felt so…us. Thoughtful. Intentional.

I sipped on my glass of wine, the rich flavor filling my senses as I curled my feet beneath me, sinking deeper into